The Choice

Time flew by, I walked across the stage with my diploma in hand and an acceptance letter from the School of Business at Westpoint awaiting me at the house. The next year Cheryl graduated with a full paid scholarship to Ashworth University in Kentucky. Although I put college off for a year until I got my stats back up on my liver enzymes, I was elated for Cheryl. As the summer drew in, I saw less and less of her as she prepared for college and summer school.
It was a Saturday night and I really just wanted to be alone. My mom left early for work, so I had my big cup of root beer, a plate of hot wings and the remote control. I was ready to unwind and enjoy the football game on TV. Then, I heard a car pull up, playing “Window Seat” by Erykah Badu. “This can’t be”, I thought. The doorbell rang and as I went to open the door, I glanced out of the window, and my thoughts were confirmed. I saw a little blue VW Bug outside parked in my front yard. I opened the door and Cheryl was just standing there. She had on a pair of jeans with a rip on the knee and a tank top. I loved that about her, she was so beautiful, and you wouldn’t have time to worry about her attire, because she wore her beauty in every motion and word.
“Hey Keith! I leave in the morning. I am so excited!” grinned Cheryl.
“Where are you going?” I asked.
“I leave for college, Keith” she said with her right eyebrow raised.
“I know, I know, girl. Summer school right?” I asked her with a smirk on my face.
“Yeah”
“Come in, Come in.” I said.
“Is your mom home, I wanted to see her too.”
“No, she had to work nights this week”.
We were never the type to share full hugs, but this time, she wrapped her arms around my neck and held on to me, kind of like she did when we were younger. I was in complete shock. She never displayed any real affection towards me other than playful friendly fighting. I pulled away from her and she grabbed my wrist.
“What’s wrong Keith?” she asked.
I was at a loss for words, in disbelief at the way things were playing out. I thought to myself, she is leaving for college tomorrow and she decides to do this now! I wanted to grab her and tell her how much I…I.
“Keith, kiss me. No dare, just because you have a pure want to do so.” she said.
“Cheryl, why…are you playing with me? It was pure want the last time I kissed you. The dare was a cover up.”
She came close to me, and we stood face to face. She told me that if after all of these years, I didn’t have feelings for her, then she would graciously walk away.
“Six years Cheryl, for six years I have watched you grow from that frumpy, little girl, to this beautiful woman that stands in front of me. You are a constant thought in my mind, but I am not willing to risk this friendship. It takes a strong person to resist someone he loves.”
“Keith, you love me?”
I looked at her and finally admitted my true feelings for her.
“You know the situation I’m in and…”
“shh” she motioned while placing her finger on my lips.
“I know you’re sick Keith, and I don’t care. We will make it through this together….me and you,” she snickered.
“You and I?” I said with a smile on my face.
“You leave tomorrow Cheryl.”
“Yes Keith, I leave tomorrow”, she said sarcastically.
“Why now?..damn…why now?”, I turned my head and asked.
“Why not now, we can keep this at bay forever or we can explore what drives our feelings. You knew how I felt about you, I didn’t hide it. I wrote about it….and you heard it. Tell me you didn’t know who I was talking about?”
I tried to figure this out in my mind, but I couldn’t comprehend why she waited until now. My need for her was beginning to outweigh my want to protect our friendship. Was I willing to risk six years? I was.
I took her by her hand and we walked upstairs to my bedroom when she stopped abruptly.
“What’s wrong? I asked her. Have you changed your mind?”
“No, I just can’t believe that I am here with you” she softly spoke.
I hugged her and whispered, we are both here. I kissed her forehead and made my way to her lips. She walked ahead of me up the stairs into my room.